Visiting Suifenhe: Sino-Russian Stories Connected by a Railway

Stepping out of Suifenhe Railway Station, a strong Russian ambiance immediately greets you. This city was born from the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER), which began construction in 1898, bringing this border town onto the historical stage. Strolling through the old streets, you can almost hear the echoes of train whistles from back then. My first stop was the Suifenhe National Gate. This majestic gate is an important landmark, witnessing a century of border dynamics. Standing in front of the gate, watching the cross-border merchants and travelers come and go, one can't help but feel the passage of time. It's highly recommended to stand in the National Gate Square and gaze at the Russian landscape in the distance; that feeling of "seeing two countries at a glance" is truly wonderful. Walking along the Railway Culture District, relics of the Chinese Eastern Railway are visible everywhere. The former Soviet-Russian Consulate Site is still well-preserved, its brick-red European-style building particularly striking under the blue sky. This was once an important diplomatic institution for Russians in China in the 1920s, and has now been transformed into a memorial hall, exhibiting a large number of precious historical materials. Even more legendary is the "Human Head Building." This peculiar building, shaped like a human head, was actually a locomotive depot from the original Chinese Eastern Railway era. There are many legends about it: some say it symbolizes the unity of railway workers, while others claim it was specially designed at the request of the railway company owner. Regardless of the truth, this building has become one of Suifenhe's most recognizable landmarks. The beauty of Suifenhe lies not only in its history but also in its unique charm of Sino-Russian blend. For breakfast, enjoy authentic Russian 'Leba' bread; for lunch, savor Northeastern sauerkraut stew with meat; and in the evening, you can even watch a Russian song and dance performance. The history of this city continues to write new stories.